And now presenting ...

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Southland's Got Talent!!

Photos: John Ligda (from left), Judy Rossignuolo-Rice, Jeny Wasilewski and Ernest Ray get ready for Illinois Theatre Center's 'Summerfest.'

Tall Grass Arts Exhibit features many sculptures including 'Abracadabra' by Michael Ruback.

Dear Readers,

This new edition of "And Now Presenting" brings you jazz, dance, dinner theatre, the Beatle (well, close), Debbie Reynolds, fabulous sculptures and more. Also, Michael Jackson hometown tours begin this month. A few events start with one magic word. FREE.

Know an arts group that's not here? Let the publicity person know any arts event and venue or community and professional theatre can submit information to myrasharon@comcast.net.

BTW: Looking for local film reviews. Bob Bob, a former colleague and editor at SouthtownStar, has launched a flick blog at www.picksforflicks.blogspot.com.

Hope you find something to do. LOL!

Myra

MUSIC, DANCE AND MORE

"CHICAGO DANCING FESTIVAL 2009"

FREE! There is such a thing as a free lunch. OK, a free dance gala. In this era of often-outrageous theater and concert tickets, "A Celebration of American Dance," an open performance under the stars takes place starting at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 22 at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. This extraordinary event will feature artists from some of the country's most acclaimed dance troupes including Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Houston Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Chicago Human Rhythm Project, Step Africa and Lar Lubovitch Dance Company and the all-male Les Ballet Grandiva. Seating begins two hours before curtain time and advance reservations are not necessary. www.chicagodancingfestival.com.

DEBBIE DOES DRURY LANE
Tickets are now on sale for the Aug. 6 to 9 appearances of the legendary Debbie Reynolds at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. She continues her inside Hollywood stories as well as kicks up her heels -- all to adoring audiences and great reviews. The legendary Reynolds will take the Drury Lane stage Aug. 6-9. Tickets (info above) are $33 and dinner packages are available at (630) 530-0111 and at www.drurylanetheatre.com.

'WEAR YOUR PANCAKE AND EAT IT TOO'

It's Sunday brunch, music and a potpourri of entertainment. Yes, it's the Diva Brunch, a Chicago cabaret brunch extravaganza at The Spot, 4437 N. Broadway, Chicago. At 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. every Sunday, the stars of the Scooty and JoJo Show delight guests with cabaret music, gender illusionists, stand-up comics and more performers from the grand scene of Chicagoland theater. Special guest ZaZa with Leslie Lee joins the stage on July 12 only. ZaZa, known to many area theater-goers as John Boss, brings his genderbending character to life for two delightful performances. Brunch and show packages start at $35 and reservations are limited, (773) 728-8934.

JAZZ HERITAGE MUSIC WEEKEND & KING OF POP TOURS

All aboard the luxury coach bus for the next Chicago Jazz Club Crawl on July 30. The tour returns back to yesteryear when jazz pub crawls were the Chicago thing. All the details for this extraordinary jazz feast are at www.chicagojazzclubcrawl.com and at (866) 717-TOUR (8687). The tour returns back to yesteryear when jazz pub crawls were the Chicago thing. Check it all out.

MICHAEL

Yes, THE Michael. Chicagoland is the only metro area near Michael's hometown city of Gary and King of Pop Hometown Tours begin on July 18. All the details are at www.thekingofpoptours.com. Be sure to get the 'the' in the url.

THE BRITS INVADE HOMEWOOD

The Homewood-Flossmoor Park District's annual Starry Nights concert series at Irwin Park, Highland Avenue and Ridge Road, Homewood continues July 24 with Beatles Tribute Band "1964." Bring the kids/grandkids and some blankets or chairs. Carry your own picnic or buy food 'n drinks there.Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and showtime is 8 p.m. Advance tickets are $15 and $7 for children 3 to 15, (708) 957-0300 and at Park District offices. Tickets on day of concert are an additional $5. Info on www.hfparks.com.

SUMMERFEST SPECTACULAR

For more than 30 years, Illinois Theatre Center has presented an annual Summerfest musical featuring professional actors with many local performers. This year, ITC takes a journey back in time, a lively musical revue featuring songs from all the Summerfest productions for the last 31 years. Stars include Bernard Rice and Judy Rossignuolo-Rice, a real-life married team of performers who wowed audiences as Tevye and Golde in "Fiddler on the Roof" in 2005. Other returning stars include Cara Scott, Jeny Wasilewski, Carmen Severino, Burke Fry and Caron Buinis. Actor/director of note David Boettcher returns to direct the spectacular. Jonathan Billig is musical director and as an added attraction, Etel Billig, ITC artistic director as well as veteran of stage and screen, makes a special appearance. A full roster of other actors join the Summerfest cast for a wondrous revue. ITC is at 371 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest. Summerfest opens July 17 and runs on Fridays through Sundays for two weekends. Tickets are $15 adults, $14 students and seniors, (708) 481-3510.

MORE ROCKIN'

One of my all-time fave local bands brings the rock and roll experience to life at loads of outdoor festivals and village concerts. Unless you've shared an hour or two with the phenomenal Neverly Brothers -- Kevin, Kegham and Craig -- you can't imagine what this trio does to retro. You won't be able to sit this band out. Upcoming concerts include the 8 p.m. July 10 at Fred P. Hall Amphitheatre, 262 E. Palatine Road, Palatine; 6-8 p.m. July 12 at the Evergreen Park Recreation Department Concert, Circle Park, 97th Street and Homan Avenue. Check out the band's gazillion village fest appearances atwww.theneverlybrothers.com

THEATER

SO WHATCHA DOIN' IN MY KITCHEN?

The Buffalo Theatre Company presnts the John Ford Noonan comedy "A Coupla White Chicks Sitting Around Talking" through July 26 at the McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. According to show information, the story focuses on a "waspy pictur-perfect housewife" in Westchester, N.Y. and her new neighbor from Austin, Texas. "Throughout this romp, (they) fight, scheme, cheat, laugh and love" and come to a "deeper understanding of their husbands and their marriages," as well as each other. Tickets are $25 to $33 at (630) 942-4000 and www.AtTheMac.org.

GREEN EGGS AND WHAT?

One of my very first books was by Dr. Seuss, the now classic 'McElligott's Pool,' first released in 1947. Naturally it is my favorite Dr. Seuss tale. No doubt millions of people, perhaps billions worldwide, have favorite Dr. Seuss titles. Here's the good stuff! In just a few more weeks, many Dr. Seuss characters will, wonder of wonders, visit the South Suburbs. They'll be here for the kid in each of us as the Drama Group presents the the charming "Seussical the Musical" Aug. 7 to 16 at the Studio Theatre, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights. Tickets are $15 adults, $14 students and seniors, (708) 755-3444 and at www.dramagroup.org.

Coming this fall. The Drama Group will present 'Rent' starting Oct. 2. You just might want to get your tickets soon!!

ANYONE SEEN MY SADDLE SHOES?
Drury Lane Oakbrook, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, continues its production of"Pump Boys and Dinettes," through Aug. 2. (Check it out. Bassist is Brian Burke of the legendary band, Mojo and The Bayou Gypsies. Mojo and company head to Chicagoland this winter at the Mac.) Tickets are $29 to $33, dinner theater packages available. Tickets are at (630) 530-0111 and www.drurylanetheatre.com.

On Aug. 13 the legendary musical "Cabaret" comes to life on the Drury Lane stage. Jim Corti, an award=winning actor/director who understudied Joel Grey on the National Tour, directs. Tickets are $29 to $38 at number above and dinner theater packages are available.

FAIRY GODMOTHER MAKES SUMMER APPEARANCE

"Cinderella" heads for the Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire, 10 Marriott Drive stage beginning July 8 and running through Aug. 29. Marc Robin, an all-time favorite theater Renaissance man and a brilliant director, choreographer and composer, wrote this imaginative musical of this classic fairy tale. While the production follows the original story, everyone must help to make the magic happen. With whimsical music and audience participation, children of all ages and children at heart will join in the wonders as Cinderella learns dreams really do come true. All tickets are $12. Times and performance dates are at (837) 634-0200 and www.MarriottTheatre.com.

LIGHTS OF BROADWAY

Orland Park Theatre Troupe presents "Back II Broadway" dinner theater, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., July 10 and 19 at Orland Chateau, 14500 LaGrange Road, Orland Park. The summer spectacular features 30 Broadway songs from countless productions including "West Side Story," "Evita," Avenue Q" and many more. Tickets are $40 a person at (708) 403-7275 and at www.orland-park.il.us. Dinner is a full four-course meal and a cash bar will be open.

GHOSTLY KISS

Chicago's own Route 66 Theatre Company presents a summer ghost story, "The K of D: An Urban Legend." Sarah Gross's review, which ran in the last blog issue, has been reprinted at the end of this issue along with show details. This production is an adventure in summer theater. What is K of D? We're not telling.

Route 66 next brings "High Fidelity ... The Musical" to the stage at Pipers Alley Theater, 1608 N. Wells St., Chicago, opening Aug. 17. (If the address sounds familiar, you probably were at Tony n' Tina's Wedding there, but after years of repeatedly going through their wedding vows, the couple is taking a honeymoon.) Anyway, tickets to 'High Fidelity ..." are $29.50 to $39.50 at (312) 664-8844 and at www.route66theatre.org.

BACK TO THE WOODS

UP, UP AND AWAY
We all day dream, letting our minds drift away into some real or imaginary place where life is calm and the brain can take a brief respite from the real world. Chicago's famous Steppenwolf Theatre Company, 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago, concludes the current season with "Up,"written by Bridget Carpenter and directed by ensemble member Anna D. Shapiro. "On the best day of his life, Walter built a flying machine that reached the clouds," the press release states. "Ever since, he's tried to invent new ways to fly while his wife keeps the family afloat. 'Up' is a quirky, bittersweet tale about escaping the boundaries of the everyday and how we dream ourselves into a future." The show runs through Aug. 23 Tickets are $20-$70 at (312) 335-1650 and at www.steppenwolf.org.

'LOOSE, FOOTLOOSE, KICK OFF YOUR SUNDAY SHOES'

Back from Broadway, South suburban native Matt Raftery stars as Ren when the energetic musical "Footloose" explodes on stage beginning July 10 at Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster. Tickets are $36 to $40 at (219) 836-3255 and atwww.theatreatthecenter.org. Parking, of course, is always free!

VISUAL ARTS

WITH THESE HANDS

FREE! The Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest, presents "With These Hands," a exhibition of sculpture and wall images by local and national artists, opening July 10 with an artists reception from 7 to 9 p.m., free and open to all. This is the first exhibit of this type for Tall Grass as well as the first time many of these artists have exhibited their works in the Chicago area. The media employed are limitless, from three-dimensional portraits of plaster, bronze and other materials to sculptures in ceramic, plaster and mixtures only the creative could have conceived. Ford Heights sculptor Grant White will be one of the featured artists. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. More information is at the gallery, (708) 748-3377 and at www.tallgrassarts.org.

ART FILM

The Tall Grass Art Film series continues with the 6:30 p.m. July 19 showing of "The Visitor," directed by Thomas McCarthy. According to the Tall Grass press release, "Visitor" is the story of a widowed professor who inadvertently becomes involved in the lives of an immigrant couple he finds squatting in his New York apartment. The film is in English and a discussion will follow. Tall Grass art films are at the Marcus Theatres, 1301 Hiltop Ave., Chicago Heights. Information is at the Tall Grass Gallery, (708) 748-3377.

CHICAGO OUTDOOR FILM FESTIVAL

FREE! More Free stuff. Check out free films at sunset every Tuesday from July 14 to Aug. 25 at Butler Field in Grant Park, Lake Shore Drive at Monroe. Movies include "Sunset Boulevard," the Marx Brothers classic "Duck Soup," the Tennessee Williams classic starring Paul Newman and Elizabeth Taylor in "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof" and "Young Mr. Lincoln" are just a few of the legendary silver screen gems set to roll during the festival. Schedule and details? Long url so just google Chicago Outdoor Film Festival.

MUSEUMS AND MORE

ADLER PLANETARIUM AND ASTRONOMY MUSEUM

For those of us who were born then, it's hard to believe but July 20 marks the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing on the moon. Adler will celebrate with events throughout the month. Space programs of the last century are very much alive at Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Visitors should not miss "Shoot for the Moon," a two-gallery exhibit focused the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo years. The actual Gemini 12 capsule that launched Jim Lovell and Buzz Aldrin into space on Nov. 11, 1966, has been restored and is considered the centerpiece in "Shoot for the Moon." The exhibit is included in admission price. Moon related fun every day from 1 to 3 p.m. and outdoor solar telescope viewing during that same time slot. Moon landing birthday cake at 3:17 p.m. July 20 followed by a Moon Landing Celebration from 6 to 10 p.m. Get the moon scoop, plan your visit, purchase tickets and more at www.adlerplanetarium.org.

FIELD MUSEUM

Say "hi' to Sue.
There's something exciting about dinosaurs, and kids as well as the kid within each of us, find adventure and intrigue in the giant animals that walked Earth millions of years ago. Alas, far too many people have never met Sue, the ginormous T. rex that greets visitors in the huge open area immediately past the entrance at Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Sue's relatives appear in an all-new 3D film, "Dinosaurs Alive," in the museum's new theatre.
"Real Pirates," continue to ride the seas through Oct. 25 at Field. These are the pirates of yesteryear. Tickets to the museum and special events, as well as the schedules, can be found atwww.fieldmuseum.org.

WILL COUNTRY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Don't fence me in. But if you must, then first of all check out the traveling Smithsonian (yes, that Smithsonian) exhibit "Between Fences" at the Historical Society (OK, kind of a museum) at 803 S. State St., Lockport now through July 26. Throughout history, Americans have fenced millions of miles with an amazing variety of fences, posts, rail, board and wire and more. The exhibit examines how neighbors and nations divide and protect through man-made dividers. Check out the photos, maps and fencing at the exibit. More details are at (815) 838-5080 and at www.willcountyhistory.org. There is a nominal admission charge.

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY

Faster than you can cast a spell, it'll be Harry Potter heaven at the Museum of Science and Industry, Lake Shore Drive at 57th Street and Cornell in Chicago. Think about this! Five stories high. Harry, friends, enemies and Hogwarts will come alive on the five-story Omnimax tilt dome screen that takes you right there, into the exclusive Imax format run of "Harry Potter and the Blood Prince" from July 15 to 28. Five special midnight showings, July 16 to 19, will kick off the Imax spectacular. Following the initial two weeks, the Omnimax will have several daytime showings of the film through Sept. 27, coinciding with the ongoing "Harry Potter, the Exhibition." All the details, ticket purchase options, times and everything else you want and need to know are at www.msichicago.org.

SHEDD AQUARIUM

Shedd Aquarium is at 1200 Lake Shore Drive and details are at www.sheddaquarium.org. I hope to have more details in the near future about the reopening of the Oceanarium.

A Summer Ghost Story

Review by Sarah R. Gross

Riveting. Simply put, this one word aptly characterizes Route 66 Theatre Company's production "The K of D: An Urban Legend," running at A Red Orchid Theatre through July 12. To call this a one-woman show is almost a misnomer, as the extraordinarily talented Gwendolyn Whiteside (see photo above) fills the stage with her rich, believable portrayals of a dozen different characters.

Whiteside seamlessly transforms from one character to the next, recreating conversations among four or five people at once; her masterful use of voice, body language and mannerisms allows the audience to know effortlessly which character she's portraying at any given moment.
The main character and narrator, known only as "the girl," recounts the urban legend of a small Ohio town, and the mysteries surrounding the kiss Charlotte McGraw received from her adolescent twin brother upon his dying breath.

Some people thought the kiss was merely a "sweet, strange goodbye," the girl tells us, but "Some of us...some of us thought there was more to it than that."

As the story unfolds, with its laugh-out-loud humor and touchingly poignant truths, it evokes eternal questions about the meaning of life and death, through the innocent yet insightful perspective of our narrator.
"This is the thing about legends," the girl proclaims near the beginning of the play, "If you tell them right, you can keep a person breathing." She then proceeds to do just that, breathing life into each unique character of this compelling small-town urban legend.

Laura Schellhardt's haunting drama runs from June 9 to July 12 at A Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 N. Wells St., Chicago. Tickets are $20 to $25 at (773) 308-6927 and atwww.route66theatre.org.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Ghost, glitz and good old rock 'n' roll

Photos left to right:

Gwendolyn Whiteside stars in "K of D: An Urban Legend" at A Red Orchid Theatre (see review below). Matt Raftery heats up the stage in "Footloose," coming to Theatre at the Center.

Dear Readers,

Thank you for your growing support of this blog. I hope many of you took time to read the interim review of the Drama Group's now closed production of "The Laramie Project," a phenomenal play carried off by a cast that met and exceeded the demands of the script. More important, my wish is that many of you saw this remarkable piece of theatre.

The Southland is bursting with entertainment this summer and Southlanders appearing all over Chicagoland bring a potpourri of whatever you want to do and see within reach, most just a short drive away. Doo Wop is coming to the Starry Nights Concert Series and the Orland Park Theatre Troupe heads to Broadway, well really the Orland Chateau. Billy Vitucci heads for the woods at GSU and Matt Raftery takes on the explosive 'Footloose' in Munster. The list goes on and on.

Sarah R. Gross, my daughter, took the time to see and review what turned out to be a riveting production, a summer ghost story, at A Red Orchid Theatre. Sarah's review follows my comments here.

She was a south suburban resident and world-famous entertainer. Koko Taylor, Queen of the Blues, died on June 3. She had lived in Country Club Hills for years. Press reports said she was 80 when she died but when I interviewed her -- many times for The Star -- she declined to reveal her age noting, "A lady doesn't tell." Born Cora Walton in Memphis, Koko acquired her nickname because she loved chocolate. Her passion for music began when she and her five siblings picked cotton for their sharecropper parents. "We'd sing in the fields," she told me. "We's sing blues, but when we'd see our father coming, we'd switch to gospel."

Taylor described her blues as "feel good songs. I want people to feel like clapping, laughing hard and having a good time. Even when I say, 'We're gonna take it down to the basement, slow like, those songs are not depressing."

She was oh-so right. The award-winning Taylor's high energy live performances will live on in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to have seen her perform on stage.

But Taylor's proudest moment had nothing to do with awards shows or huge audiences. It was an accolade that topped all others. "That was when I had the opportunity to sing 'Happy Birthday' to President Bill Clinton. I never thought I'd have a chance to do that.'"

I hope you will read the parts of this blog that interest you. If you want to tell me anything or have any corrections -- or events to add for the next blog, please e-mail me at myrasharon@comcast.net.

Happy Summer.

Myra

A SUMMER GHOST STORY

Review by Sarah R. Gross

Some people thought the kiss was merely a "sweet, strange goodbye," the girl tells us, but "Some of us...some of us thought there was more to it than that."

Laura Schellhardt's haunting drama runs from June 9 to July 12 at A Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 N. Wells St., Chicago. Tickets are $20 to $25 at (773) 308-6927 and at www.route66theatre.org.

MUSIC

'WEAR YOUR PANCAKE AND EAT IT TOO'

It's Sunday brunch, music and a potpourri of entertainment. Yes, it's the Diva Brunch, a Chicago cabaret brunch extravaganza at The Spot, 4437 W. Broadway, Chicago. At 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. every Sunday, the stars of the Scooty and JoJo Show delight guests with cabaret music, gender illusionists, stand-up comics and more performers from the grand scene of Chicagoland theater. Special guest ZaZa with Leslie Lee joins the stage on July 12 only. ZaZa, known to many area theater-goers as John Boss, brings his genderbending character to life for two delightful performances. Brunch and show packages start at $35 and reservations are limited, (773) 728-8934.

MUSIC FOR PEACE
Secular compositions intrigue many classically attuned listeners and performers. For those music lovers, a blockbuster in the genre is headed to Dominican University, Lund Theatre in the Performing Arts Center, 7900 Division St., River Forest. To celebrate the 800th anniversary of the founding of the Franciscan Order, Chiesa Nuova, a ministry for the performing arts in Chicago, will present "A Celebration of Hope and Peace" at 7:30 p.m. June 26 and 27. Program details are at www.dom.edu/performing-arts. Tickets are $40 to $50 at (708) 488-5000.

OLD TIME ROCK 'N' ROLL

The Homewood-Flossmoor Park District's annual Starry Nights concert series at Irwin Park, Highland Avenue and Ridge Road, Homewood continues with the July 26 Doo Wop Spectacular starring Terry Johnson's Flamingos, the El Dorados and Jonny Keyes & the Magnificents. Bring or buy food 'n drinks and blankets and chairs are good too. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and showtime is 8 p.m. Advance tickets are $20 and $7 for children 3 to 15, (708) 957-0300 and at Park District offices. Tickets on day of concert are an additional $5.

MORE ROCKIN'

One of my all-time fave local bands brings the rock and roll experience to life at loads of outdoor festivals and village concerts. Unless you've shared an hour or two with the phenomenal Neverly Brothers -- Kevin, Kegham and Craig -- you can't imagine what this trio does to retro. You won't be able to sit this band out. Upcoming concerts include the 7 p.m. Hickory Hills Park District Summer Concert, Krueger Park Recreation Center, 9100 S. 88th Ave.; the 4-7 p.m. outdoor concert July 3 at Main Square, corner of Ridge Road and 5th Street, Highland, Indiana; 8 p.m. July 10 at Fred P. Hall Amphitheatre, 262 E. Palatine Road, Palatine; 6-8 p.m. at the Evergreen Park Recreation Department Concert, Circle Park, 97th Street and Homan Avenue. Check out the band's gazillion village fest appearances at www.theneverlybrothers.com.

*********

THEATER

SO WHATCHA DOIN' IN MY KITCHEN?

The Buffalo Theatre Company presnts the John Ford Noonan comedy "A Coupla White Chicks Sitting Around Talking" from July 3 to 26 at the McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. According to show information, the story focuses on a "waspy pictur-perfect housewife" in Westchester, N.Y. and her new neighbor from Austin, Texas. "Throughout this romp, (they) fight, scheme, cheat, laugh and love" and come to a "deeper understanding of their husbands and their marriages," as well as each other. "White Chicks" runs from July 2 to 26; tickets $25 to $33 at (630) 942-4000 and www.AtTheMac.org.

ANYONE SEEN MY SADDLE SHOES?
Drury Lane Oakbrook, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, continues its production of "Pump Boys and Dinettes," through Aug. 2. Tickets are $29 to $33, dinner theater packages available. Tickets are at (630) 530-0111 and www.drurylanetheatre.com.

DEBBIE DOES DRURY LANE
Tickets are now on sale for the Aug. 6 to 9 appearances of the legendary Debbie Reynolds. She continues her inside Hollywood stories as well as kicks up her heels -- all to adoring audiences and great reviews. The legendary Reynolds will take the Drury Lane stage Aug. 6-9. Tickets (info above) are $33 and dinner packages are available.

THE BARD IS BACK

Yes, thanks to Illinois Theatre Center, William Shakespeare returns to the South Suburbs, this summer via "The Merry Wives of Windsor." Yes, it's Shakespeare in the Park, or actually the Village Green in Downtown Park Forest, at 7:30 p.m. June 26, 27 and 28. The raucous comedy about the lusty, liquor-soaked Sir John Falstaff finds him trying to seduce two married ladies who do get even with him. All the fun is free. Audience members may bring picnic suppers and vendors will sell soft drinks. Also bring a blanket or chair if you wish. In case of rain, the show moves inside to Illinois Theatre Center. More details are at (708) 481-3510.

CAN YOU SPELL L-A-F-F?
Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire's production of 'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," the Tony Award-winning musical at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, continues through July 19," Show tickets are $45 and dinner theater packages are available Wednesdays through Sundays, phone (847) 634-0200.

FAIRY GODMOTHER MAKES SUMMER APPEARANCE

"Cinderella" heads for the Marriott Theatre stage beginning July 8 and running through Aug. 29. Marc Robin, an all-time favorite theater Renaissance man and a brilliant director, choreographer and composer, wrote this imaginative musical of this classic fairy tale. While the production follows the original story, everyone must help to make the magic happen. With whimsical music and audience participation, children of all ages and children at heart will join in the wonders as Cinderella learns dreams really do come true. All tickets are $12. Times and performance dates are at (837) 634-0200 and www.MarriottTheatre.com.

LIGHTS OF BROADWAY
Orland Park Theatre Troupe presents "Back II Broadway" dinner theater, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., July 10 and 19 at Orland Chateau, 14500 LaGrange Road, Orland Park. Tickets are $40 a person at (708) 403-7275 and at www.orland-park.il.us. Cash bar will be open.

BACK TO THE WOODS

Billy Vitucci stars as the Baker and Meghan Hoyt as the Witch when the all-new Southland Area Theatre Ensemble, or SLATE, opens its debut production, Stephen Sondheim's "Into the Woods," on Aug. 14 and 15 at Center for Performing Arts, Governors State University. Tickets are $18-$21 adults, $16-19 students at (708) 235-2222 and www.centertickets.net.

UP, UP AND AWAY
We all day dream, letting our minds drift away into some real or imaginary place where life is calm and the brain can take a brief respite from the real world. Chicago's famous Steppenwolf Theatre Company, 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago, concludes the current season with "Up," written by Bridget Carpenter and directed by ensemble member Anna D. Shapiro. "On the best day of his life, Walter built a flying machine that reached the clouds," the press release states. "Ever since, he's tried to invent new ways to fly while his wife keeps the family afloat. 'Up' is a quirky, bittersweet tale about escaping the boundaries of the everyday and how we dream ourselves into a future." The show runs from June 18 - June 27 (previews) and then June 28 - Aug. 23 (regular run). Preview tickets are $20 to 45; regular run, $20-$70 at (312) 335-1650 and at www.steppenwolf.org.

'LOOSE, FOOTLOOSE, KICK OFF YOUR SUNDAY SHOES'

Back from Broadway, South suburban native Matt Raftery (see photo above) stars as Ren when the energetic musical "Footloose" explodes on stage beginning July 10 at Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster. Tickets are at (219) 836-3255 and at www.theatreatthecenter.org.

VISUAL ARTS

ART FILM

MUSEUMS

ADLER PLANETARIUM AND ASTRONOMY MUSEUM

Elmo's coming to Adler. Yes, you read that right and yes, I'm talking about the one and only Elmo of Sesame Street fame. Walkaround Elmo will greet families in the Adler main lobby on June 26, 27 and 28 during five set time periods (see www.adlerplanetarium.org for times). Those who bring cameras can grab a shot of Elmo with the kid(s), no charge. Elmo's celebrity appearance will remind families that he and friends all star in "One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure," the latest sky show for the young set, now running in the Definiti Theatre.
For those of us who were born then, it's hard to believe but July 20 marks the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing on the moon. Adler will celebrate with events throughout the month. Space programs of the last century are very much alive at Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Visitors should not miss "Shoot for the Moon," a two-gallery exhibit focused the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo years. The actual Gemini 12 capsule that launched Jim Lovell and Buzz Aldrin into space on Nov. 11, 1966, has been restored and is considered the centerpiece in "Shoot for the Moon." The exhibit is entirely free as is almost the entire museum. Shows are extra.

An all-new exhibit, "Telescopes: Through the Looking Glass," takes visitors back in time and then into the universe of today and tomorrow via the development of the telescope. Visitors can plan their excursions at www.adlerplanetarium.org.

BROOKFIELD ZOO

Guess who's having a birthday gala on July 1. Yup. Brookfield Zoo. It opened on July 1, 1934, and has been a world-class leader in animal care, conservation and education. To celebrate the decades plus of community support, the zoo is planning a year of activities beginning June 29 to July 1. For starters, kids 11 and younger get in free those days. The July 1 bash including comments and some zoo history from the president of the Chicago Zoological Society. Then guests can sing, "Happy Birthday Dear Brookfield Zoo" and enjoy a piece of birthday cake.

Tributosaurus will entertain guests on the East Mall and other performances will be scattered around the zoo during the day. Maybe best of all, hot dogs will be 75 cents at the many restaurants around the zoo. Brookfield is open every day of the year, located off First Avenue between the Stevenson and Eisenhower expressways; also accessible via the Tri-State Tollway and via public transportation. Admission is $12 for adults, $8 for children 3 to 11 and the over 65 zoo-goers. All the zoo to-do stuff is at www.CZS.org.

FIELD MUSEUM
Say "hi' to Sue.
There's something exciting about dinosaurs, and kids as well as the kid within each of us, find adventure and intrigue in the giant animals that walked Earth millions of years ago. Alas, far too many people have never met Sue, the ginormous T. rex that greets visitors in the huge open area immediately past the entrance at Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Sue's relatives appear in an all-new 3D film, "Dinosaurs Alive," in the museum's new theatre.
"Real Pirates," continue to ride the seas through Oct. 25 at Field. These are the pirates of yesteryear. Tickets to the museum and special events, as well as the schedules, can be found at www.fieldmuseum.org.

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY
Harry Potter and friends continue to whip up magic while bringing guests into Hogwarts at "Harry Potter, the Exhibition," through Sept. 27 at Museum of Science and Industry, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Special timed tickets, in addition to museum admission charge, are required for this exhibit. Don't forget the extraordinary permanent exhibits including the legendary U-505, the German sub captured by U.S. sailors during the war. Anyone who hasn't seen the sub exhibit in years will find the breathtaking exhibit, starting with the gallery of history leading up to the huge room built around the sub, an awesome experience in American history. All the details, including prices and exhibit details are at www.msichicago.org.

SHEDD AQUARIUM
They're back and there are more cetaceans than before. After 18 months of absence, the wonderful sea creatures at Shedd Aquarium's Oceanarium have returned, with many related species in the new, greatly expanded and reinvented, Oceanarium. Now open to the public, the new Oceanarium should be spectacular. Shedd Aquarium is at 1200 Lake Shore Drive and details are at www.sheddaquarium.org. I hope to have more details in the near future.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Photos: Book covers of "Pazar" and "Sacrifice" as well as a view of Icy North 1 at Shedd Aquarium's newly re-opened Oceanarium.

And of course, the late Koko Taylor, Queen of the Blues.

Dear Readers,

Thank you for your patience with me this over this much delayed blog posting. Since it is the weekend, I will plan on the next blog release for two weeks from this coming Sunday or Monday.

For those who do not know, my husband Murray had knee replacement surgery and I just could not get blogging time. Of course, Murray always is my priority.

This week's blog has loads of new stuff interesting and challenging dramas coming up and what is billed as a blockbuster in religious -- sacred music coming to Dominican University.

On the lighter side of music, the Guess Who are heading guess where this month.

The Drama Group's challenging summer production, "The Laramie Project," tackling the murder of Matthew Shepard, opens next weekend.

Our world class museums never disappoint and while Harry Potter continues his stay at Museum of Science and Industry, the history of telescopes is the focus of an all-new exhibit at Adler. Also, Adler has free days this week so check it out.

Anyway, there's tons to do, locally and in the city, and I've included all the information pouring into my e-mail box.

Also, I was saddened to hear that Queen of the Blues Koko Taylor finally had succumbed to her many ailments. During my years as Don Snider's assistant editor to Firstlook arts and entertainment section, I had the privilege of interviewing the late blues legend who was an amazing and fascinating woman. In fact, she lived in Country Club Hills and thus agreed to Star interviews several times.

She was a grand and gracious lady, accessible to fans and down to earth. There was nothing fancy or fake about Taylor who reportedly was 80 when she died.

I want to write more and will, either for the next blog or an addendum sent separately, but for now will just say her famous words, "Wang Dang Doodle," and add that I will miss knowing she's around to delight blues fans worldwide.

As always, if you see errors, please do let me know. Hope your summer is going well.

Myra

Looking for something to read this summer?

Think "Pazar" and horror. Two native Southland authors, whose names will sound familiar to many of you, have books now on sale both at stores and online. These are NOT self-published!

Dennis P. Wheeler, son of the legendary Denny Wheeler of Star Newspapers fame, takes readers into the land of Pazar, a place familiar to protagonist Roger Metwick from the character's Dungeons and Dragons game play. When Roger lands in Pazar, the MySteers brothers discover him and task him with a challenge in their own war against an army of evil led by a giant black Minotaur. The book, "Pazar You Say" is the first in the series of "Eye of the Time" books and is available at Amazon and other major booksellers. Sounds like a terrific read for fans of the supernatural and D&D.

Meanwhile, former Star "Pop Stops" columnist, John Everson, was secretly penning award-winning horror/dark arts stories and novels between CD reviews. John's first novel, "Covenant," garnered a Bram Stoker Award in 2004 and now his second full-length work, "Sacrifice," is on the market. "'Sacrifice' is told at a brisk pace, packed with extreme violence, unique ghosts and an antagonist, Ariana, who just may be one of the most disturbing female characters to slash her way through a horror novel in many a bloody moon," says Nick Cato of Stem shots. And that's only one of many reviews you can find of John's slasher tome.

If the magical/fantasy D&D or the slasher horror genres pique your interest, check out Wheeler and Everson online. So many writers work to break into the world of novels and few succeed. I'm always thrilled to see local authors, especially those I know, make the grade!

MUSIC

MUSIC FOR PEACE

Secular compositions intrigue many classically attuned listeners and performers. For those music lovers, a blockbuster in the genre is headed to Dominican University, Lund Theatre in the Performing Arts Center, 7900 Division St., River Forest. To celebrate the 800th anniversary of the founding of the Franciscan Order, Chiesa Nuova, a ministry for the performing arts in Chicago, will present "A Celebration of Hope and Peace" at 7:30 p.m. June 26 and 27. One of the major pieces in the concert, "Prayer for Peace," is described as an essay for string orchestra in six movements. All the details of this piece and the entire concert event can be found at www.dom.edu/performing-arts. Tickets are $40 to $50 at (708) 488-5000.

GUESS WHAT, GUESS WHO

If you were around in the 1960s and '70s, you no doubt remember the Guess Who and many of their hits, including "These Eyes," "No Time," "American Woman" and "Laughing," just to name a few. Well, the band 's reunited with originals Jim Kale on bass and vocals and Garry Peterson on drums and vocals.

So, Myra, why are you writing about the Guess Who?

Well, Guess What! The Guess Who will headline the opening show, June 12, in the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District's annual Starry Nights concert series at Irwin Park, Highland Avenue and Ridge Road, Homewood. Advance tickets are $20 and $7 for children 3 to 15, (708) 957-0300 and at Park District offices. Tickets on day of concert are an additional $5. Times tba.

Other Starry Nights concerts will feature Doo Wop Spectacular with Terry Johnson's Flamingos, the El Dorados and Jonny Keyes & the Magnificents on June 26, and 1964, a Beatles tribute band, on July 24.

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THEATER

ONE POWERFUL DRAMA

The Drama Group continues rehearsals for its next production, "The Laramie Project" set for the Studio Theatre, 330 202nd St., Chicago Heights. "This fast paced, thought provoking play challenges you to confront your own deep-seated beliefs and tolerance for others," the press release states. Hundreds of interviews gave rise to "Laramie," which is presented as a series of "interviews" in the wake of the brutal 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, a University of Wyoming student. The young gay man was a hate crime murder victim, tied to a fence post and tortured. I have not seen "Laramie" but am convinced the phenomenal Drama Group will do justice to the topic and to Matthew Shepard. Incidentally, DG is the first local theater to tackle this challenging piece so mark the dates, June 11-21. Box office phone number is (708) 755-3444. Web site is www.dramagroup.org.

ANYONE SEEN MY SADDLE SHOES?

Drury Lane Oakbrook, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, brings back the 1950s with "Pump Boys and Dinettes," a musical tribute to the long gone era when gas station attendants pumped and dinette gals sassed next door at the Double Cupp diner. This tons of fun musical trip back in time is terrific summer fare and runs through Aug. 2. Tickets are $29 to $33, dinner theater packages available. Tickets are at (630) 530-0111 andwww.drurylanetheatre.com.

Still kicking up her heels to great reviews, the legendary Debbie Reynolds will take the Drury Lane stage Aug. 6-9. More details later this summer.

CAN YOU SPELL L-A-F-F?

Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire asks, "Can you spell 'h-i-l-a-r-i-o-u-s?'" Former Firstlook editor Don Snider asks, "Can you spell 'f-u-n?'" Or what about spelling the "25th APBCSB," he asks. "The latter is the acronym for 'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,' the Tony Award-winning musical at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, running through July 19," Don continues. "It's basically the same musical that had a long run at Drury Lane Theatre-Water Tower Place about a year ago, and has some of the same cast members including Roberta Duchak as one of the Bee' judges and Eric Roediger as William Barfee. The show also has all the same hilarity of the previous production," Don says. "But it doesn't have the downtown parking fees (free at Marriott)." Show tickets are $45 and dinner theater packages are available Wednesdays through Sundays, phone (847) 634-0200.

LIGHTS OF BROADWAY

Orland Park Theatre Troupe presents "Back II Broadway" dinner theater on July 10 and 19 at Orland Chateau, 14500 LaGrange Road, Orland Park. Tickets are $40 a person at (708) 403-7275 and at www.orland-park.il.us

OFF TO THE ISLANDS

Porchlight Music Theatre, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago, continues its production "Once On This Island," a "Caribbean musical fairytale," re-imagined by the company, through June 28.

Tickets are $37, discounts for students and seniors, at Ticketmaster outlets and at the theater, (773) 327-5252, www.porchlighttheatre.com.

BACK TO THE WOODS

It's coming soon, an all-new theater company. Southland Area Theatre Ensemble, or SLATE, will present its opening production, Stephen Sondheim's "Into the Woods," on Aug. 14 and 15 at Center for Performing Arts, Governors State University. More details right here later this summer and right now at www.slatetheatre.org.

UP, UP AND AWAY

We all day dream, letting our minds drift away into some real or imaginary place where life is calm and the brain can take a brief respite from the real world. Chicago' famous Steppenwolf Theatre Company, 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago, concludes this season with "Up," written by Bridget Carpenter and directed by ensemble member Anna D. Shapiro. "On the best day of his life, Walter built a flying machine that reached the clouds," the press release states. "Ever since, he's tried to invent new ways to fly while his wife keeps the family afloat. 'Up' is a quirky, bittersweet tale about escaping the boundaries of the everyday and how we dream ourselves into a future." The show runs from June 18 - June 27 (previews) and then June 28 - Aug. 23 (regular run). Preview tickets are $20 to 45; regular run, $20-$70 at (312) 335-1650 and at www.steppenwolf.org.

A TALE FROM BEYOND

Summer breeds the start of ghost story season and the Route 66 Theatre Company takes on the challenge wIth Laura Schellhardt's haunting drama, "The K of D: An Urban Legend." Described as a "haunting drama," "K of D ..." takes place when "an entire small town in western Ohio is vividly brought to life... After a reckless driver kills her twin brother, Charlotte McGraw becomes a supernatural wonder to others when it appears she has received an eerie power from her brother's dying kiss." The summertime ghost story is billed as a "quirky, touching play that offers the unexpected perspective of a child on the big questions of death and redemption." The play runs from June 9 to July 12 at A Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 N. Wells St., Chicago. Tickets are $20 to $25 at (773) 308-6927 and at www.route66theatre.org.

LEGACY OF GEORGE AND IRA

Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, presents the George and Ira Gershwin award-winning musical, "Crazy for You" through June 14. Don Snider saw the musical last week on press night and was delighted to see a veteran Chicago actor in the starring role. Don wrote: "Richard Strimer has long been one of the top tap dancers in the Chicago area. Now he has the lead in this show where he can display his multiple talents. Strimer plays Bobby Childs in the fabulous 'Crazy for You'" Tickets are $36 though $40 at (219) 836-3255 and at www.tickets.com.

VISUAL ARTS

Continuing through June 27, Tall Grass Arts Association Gallery, 367 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest, presents "LANDMARKS: Restoration & Regeneration," billed as an unusual and eclectic collection of works by Nikkole Huss and Heather Page, both widely-exhibited artists and college educators. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, (708) 748-3377 and www.tallgrassarts.org.

Looking for that special gift? Tall Grass has a wonderful little gift shop packed with one-of-a-kind treasures from a few dollars up to, well, whatever. Anyway, it is definitely worth a stop when you visit the gallery. Admission to the gallery and shop is always free.

There's more from Tall Grass. The Art Film Series presents the Israeli film, "Waltz with Bashir," an animated documentary recounting the filmmaker's experiences as an Israeli soldier serving in the army during the Lebanese war of the 1980s. "Waltz ..." was nominated for an Academy Award. The film is in Hebrew with English subtitled and will be screened at 6:30 p.m., June 14 at Marcus Theatre, 1301 Hilltop Ave., Chicago Heights. Tickets are $7.50 and available at the gallery.

TOUR SHOWS

"The Rat Pack" tour production, recreating the trio that made the pack famous - Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. - will be at the Halls of St. George, 905 E. Joliet St., Schererville, IN, for one night only. Tickets to the 8 p.m. June 26 show are at (219) 865-9411. Details are at www.ambassadorshows.com.

MUSEUMS

FORTY YEARS AND COUNTING

CHECK OUT ADLER PLANETARIUM FREE THIS COMING WEEK, JUNE 7 TO 12!

July 20 marks the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing on the moon, an event that mesmerized people around the world. No surprise, Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, will celebrate all month with special space activities. That includes an Apollo birthday cake at 3:17 p.m. July 20, 40 years, to the minute, since the Eagle -- the Apollo moon lander -- touched down at Tranquility Base. Visitors will definitely want to check out "Shoot for the Moon," a two-gallery exhibit focused the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo years. Astronaut Jim Lovell, commander of Gemini 12 and the star-crossed Apollo 13, donated many personal items -- letters, logs, manuals, photos and spacewear -- to Adler for the exhibit. The actual Gemini 12 capsule that launched Lovell and Buzz Aldrin into space on Nov. 11, 1966, has been restored and is considered the centerpiece in "Shoot for the Moon." The exhibit is entirely free, and while I love the space capsule, my favorite items are the personal ones Lovell donated for the exhibit. I met him twice at Adler press events and he's a funny, charming space hero. m.e

An all-new exhibit, "Telescopes: Through the Looking Glass," takes visitors back in time and then into the universe of today and tomorrow. Now open, this is the most extensive exhibit of viewing instruments of its type, with visions from Stonehenge days to the time of Galileo's first peek at the heavens through a spyglass. From that point in stellar history, the telescope has evolved so phenomenally that astronomers can actually see planets in other star systems. I expect to see the exhibit in the next couple of weeks and will report back with more details but for now, take a quick tour of the exhibit at http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/exhibits/telescopes.shtml

FIELD MUSEUM

Say "hi' to Sue.

There's something exciting about dinosaurs, and kids as well as the kid within each of us, find adventure and intrigue in the giant animals that walked Earth millions of years ago. Alas, far too many people have never met Sue, the ginormous T. rex that greets visitors in the huge open area immediately past the entrance at Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Sue, named after Sue Hendricson, the woman who discovered the monstrous fossil in South Dakota in 1990, might be a Sheldon instead of a Sue, but for now, no one knows. Want to know more about Sue and her ancient relatives? Go to http://www.fieldmuseum.org/sue/whoissue.asp.

"Real Pirates," ride the seas through Oct. 25 at Field. These are the pirates of yesteryear. Special tickets are needed for this exhibit.

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY

Harry Potter and friends continue to whip up magic while bringing guests into Hogwarts at "Harry Potter, the Exhibition," through Sept. 27 at Museum of Science and Industry, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Special timed tickets, in addition to museum admission charge, are required for this exhibit; details, ticket prices and package options are at www.msichicago.org. Museum hours, other exhibits and upcoming events also are at www.msichicago.org. June 19 is a free admission day. More free dates in the fall. All the details, prices and exhibition details are at www.msichicago.org.

SHEDD AQUARIUM

They're back and there are more cetaceans than before. After 18 months of absence, the wonderful sea creatures at Shedd Aquarium's Oceanarium have returned, with many related species in the new, greatly expanded and reinvented, Oceanarium. Now open to the public, the new Oceanarium should be spectacular. Shedd Aquarium is at 1200 Lake Shore Drive and details are at www.sheddaquarium.org. I hope to have more details in the near future.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Arts, entertainment for all

Dear Readers,

You will be delighted to know former Firstlook editor Don Snider offered a comment on Theatre at the Center's new production, "Crazy for You." Don, a good friend and my former boss, will be adding remarks and mini reviews from time to time.

Also, be sure to check out Adler Planetarium's newest sky-watchers exhibit and Shedd Aquarium's Oceanarium news. Also, the Drama Group is in rehearsals for what I believe is the first local production of a powerful new drama.

Meanwhile, although I plan to keep the blog on an every other week schedule, I will not be reviewing for a while as husband Murray is having knee replacement surgery tomorrow, May 19. Clearly we will not be galavanting around for a bit. So, if you see any shows and would like to send me a brief comment, I will be delighted to consider adding it to upcoming editions. Meanwhile, please do e-mail me at myrasharon@comcast.net with any items needing correction. And if you want to be on the blog reminder list, let me know as well.

Finally, I still have not heard from Curtain Call or Oak Lawn Park District theater groups or from Union Street or McCord galleries and would love to receive their press releases too.

Thank you bunches for your ongoing support!

Myra

captions: The Neverly Brothers, Kegham Giragosian (from left), Kevin Giragosian and Craig Gigstad heat up the stage with their awesome rock 'n' roll experience show. See Music section.

Richard Strimer and Amy Brophy share a romantic tune in "Crazy for You" at Theatre at the Center in Theater section.

Frank Galati as Prospero and Jon Michael Hill as Ariel in Steppenwolf's "The Tempest," bring new life to the classic Shakespeare script.

THEATER

The Drama Group, which just completed a hugely successful weekend run of "Aida," is now in rehearsals for its next production, the powerful drama, "The Laramie Project" set for the Studio Theatre, 330 202nd St., Chicago Heights. This show, which has received rave reviews in professional productions, is told in in a series of "interviews" in the wake of the brutal 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, a University of Wyoming student. The young man was a hate crime victim, tied to a fence post and tortured because he was gay. I have not seen the "Laramie," but all indications are this is a compelling work. The Drama Group, as far as I know, is the first local theater to tackle this challenging piece, and I am certain they will do the late Mattnew Shepard justice with a superb show. Mark the dates, June 11-21. Box office phone number is (708) 755-3444. Web site is www.dramagroup.org.

Opening May 28 at Drury Lane Oakbrook, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, "Pump Boys and Dinettes," is a toe-tapping musical tribute to the long gone era when gas station attendants pumped and dinette gals sassed next door at the Double Cupp diner. This tons of fun musical trip back in time, terrific summer fare, opens May 28 and runs through Aug. 2. Tickets are $29 to $33, dinner theater packages available. Tickets are at (630) 530-0111 and www.drurylanetheatre.com.

Still kicking up her heels to great reviews, the legendary Debbie Reynolds will take the Drury Lane stage Aug. 6-9. More details later this summer.

Illinois Theatre Center's Summerfest 2009 brings Gilbert and Sullivan to the South Suburbs. Well, at least their music. From July 17 to 26, the Summerfest cast will perform the rollicking operetta, "The Pirates of Penzance." Tickets are now on sale, $15 adults, $14 students and seniors at (708) 481-3510 and at www.ilthctr.org.

Also on sale, ITC season subscriptions for 2009-2010.

Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire asks, "Can you spell 'h-i-l-a-r-i-o-u-s?'" Now running on Marriott's theatre-in-the-round stage, the Tony-winning musical comedy "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," continues through July 19. "Spelling Bee" is billed as "a tuneful, sometimes heart-warming tale that follows the story of six pubescent outcassts who ... learn that winning isn't everything and losing doesn't necessarily make you a loser." The show obviously touches on the feelings about oneself that most pre-teens and teens experience at some point in time, no doubt one reason for the show's universal appeal. Marriott is at 10 Marriott Drive. Show tickets are $45 and dinner theater packages are available Wednesdays through Sundays.

Porchlight Music Theatre, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago, presents "Once On This Island," a "Caribbean musical fairytale," re-imagined by the company, through June 28.

Tickets are $37, discounts for students and seniors, at Ticketmaster outlets and at the theater, (773) 327-5252, www.porchlighttheatre.com.

Incidentally, the upcoming Porchlight season includes one of my all-time favorite musicals, "The Fantasticks," starting Sept. 11. I look forward to trying "to remember the days of September" once again.

A bold production of William Shakespeare's "The Tempest," at Steppenwolf, 1650 N. Halsted St., continues in the downstairs theater through May 31. Directed by Steppenwolf company member Tina Landau, the total staging pulls Shakespeare's script into the 21st century world of hip-hop, neon colors, multimedia and gender bending. Chicago theater legend and company member Frank Galati soars as Prospero and Jon Michael Hill holds the audience captive as the spirit Ariel. Landau's extraordinarily creative package defies description. Yes, this "Tempest" bursts all over the stage and yes, the script is Shakespeare's. The entire cast is strong and stage chemistry as magical as Prospero's island. I could easily sit through this again and again. That's the wizardry of Landau, the cast and set, costume, lighting and music designers. Tickets are $20 to $70 at (312) 335-1650 or www.steppenwolf.org. m.e

Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, presents the George and Ira Gershwin award-winning musical, "Crazy for You" through June 14. The press release offers a brief, but compelling, story of the show that garnered a Tony in 1992, decades after the legendary Gershwin brothers died. "Their music became the soundtrack for the 20th century and saw America through some of her darkest days of the Great Depression and World War II," the release states. Wonderful songs such as "They Can't Take that Away from Me," "I Got Rhythm" and "Embraceable You," to name a few, were wrapped up in a script that "could not hold a candle to the music." Then in 1992, "Crazy for You," with book by Ken Ludwig, went through the roof and the Gershwin brothers' songs finally won an award they had earned long ago. Don Snider saw the musical last week on press night and was delighted to see a veteran Chicago actor in the starring role. Don wrote: "Richard Strimer has long been one of the top tap dancers in the Chicago area. Now he has the lead in this show where he can display his multiple talents. Strimer plays Bobby Childs in the fabulous 'Crazy for You' production." Tickets are $36 though $40 at (219) 836-3255 and at www.tickets.com.

WAFF Productions continues "American Notes" at the Prop Theatre, 3504 N. Elston, Chicago, at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays through June 7. "Notes" is described as "part intertwined character sketchbook, part postcard collection and held together by desperation and coffee-fueled late night conversation." Tickets are $20, $18 with non perishable food donation, $10 for students, seniors, (866) 611-4111 and at www.willactforfood.com.

VISUAL ARTS

Continuing through June 27, Tall Grass Arts Association Gallery, 367 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest, presents "LANDMARKS: Restoration & Regeneration," an unusual and eclectic collection of works by Nikkole Huss and Heather Page, both widely-exhibited artists and college educators. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, (708) 748-3377 and www.tallgrassarts.org. BTW: Tall Grass has a wonderful little gift shop packed with one-of-a-kind treasures from a few dollars up to, well, whatever. Anyway, it is definitely worth a stop when you visit the gallery. Admission to the gallery and shop is always free.

The Tall Grass Art Film Series continues as well. The Israeli film, "Waltz with Bashir" will screen at 6:30 p.m., June 14 at Marcus Theatre, 1301 Hilltop Ave., Chicago Heights. Tickets are $7.50 and available at the gallery.

TOUR SHOWS

MUSEUMS
Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, takes visitors back in time and on into the universe of today and tomorrow. Opening May 22 and running through December, "Telescopes: Through the Looking Glass" will be one of those spectacular trips in time and vision. Visitors will experience viewing the universe from Stonehenge days to the time of Galileo's first peek at the heavens through a spyglass. From that point in stellar history, the telescope has evolved so phenomenally that astronomers studying exoplanets can actually see planets in other solar systems. The exhibit should be, in a word, mindboggling. By the way, the Space Visualization Laboratory (SVL) is just around the corner from the telescope exhibit. If you are at Adler in the afternoon, try to check out the SVL and see how 21st century astronomical exhibits continue to evolve along with technology. Great news -- free planetarium admission on Charter One Telescope Days. , June 7 to 12, will leave you with extra bucks to spend on sky shows and all sorts of galactic goodies. All the details are at www.adlerplanetarium.org. m.e.

While brutal pirates making headlines today are not the stuff of museum exhibits, pirates of yesteryear have been romanticized in films, novels and television shows and now are the focus of the compelling "Real Pirates," through Oct. 25 at the Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Blvd., Chicago. The exhibit includes the story of the Whydah, a life size replica of the ship's stern and "genuine artifacts (that) will transport you back to an era that lives in legend," Field Museum information states. Special tickets are required for this exhibit. Admission prices, hours, tickets and more are atwww.fieldmuseum.org.

Can't get to Hogwarts, you say. Well, whether you're a wizard of sorts or one of the muggles, you'll be in Hogwarts heaven at "Harry Potter, the Exhibition," through Sept. 27 at Museum of Science and Industry, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. More than 200 authentic costumes and props from the Harry Potter movies will be on display in settings inspired by rooms at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and other magical locations, including Hagrid's hut and more. Special timed tickets, in addition to museum admission charge, are required for this exhibit and it will have extended hours. All the details and ticket prices and package options are at www.msichicago.org. Museum hours, other exhibits and upcoming events also are at the wonderful MSI website. Upcoming free days (do not include special exhibits) are June 1-5, June 19. More free dates in the fall. All the details, prices and exhibition details are at www.msichicago.org.

They're back and there are more cetaceans than before. After 18 months of absence, the wonderful sea creatures at Shedd Aquarium's Oceanarium are back, with many related species in the new, greatly expanded and reinvented, Oceanarium. This opens to the public this coming weekend and should be spectacular. Shedd Aquarium is at 1200 Lake Shore Drive and details are at www.sheddaquarium.org. I hope to have more details and photos for the next blog edition.

A hidden treasure. Trackman Planetarium at Joliet Junior College, 1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet, continues its FREE series of wonderful sky shows, each followed by a live discussion led by amazing astronomy advocate and planetarium director Art Maurer, yes, the guy from Crete. Shows, always free, are as follows: "We Go to the Moon" at 6:30 p.m. May 21; "The Solar System and Beyond," 7:30 p.m. May 26 and "Summer Sky for Kids" (of all ages) at 6:30 p.m. June 4. The 6:30 p.m. shows are geared to the younger set but everyone learns from Art. Information and directions are with the planetarium office at (815) 280-6682.

MUSIC

Once again, the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District will present its Starry Nights Concert Series at Irwin Park, Ridge Road and Highland Avenue, Homewood. More later but here's the scoop on the lineup: The Guess Who on June 12; Doo Wop Spectacular with Terry Johnson's Flamingos, the El Dorados and Jonny Keyes & the Magnificents on June 26; 1964, a Beatles tribute band, on July 24. Advance tickets will be available May 1 at (708) 957-0300. Ticket prices will vary, $15-$20 for adults, depending on show; kids 7 and younger, $7 for all shows. More details as summer nears.

St. Xavier University rocks. Well, if it doesn't now, it will for one hour, starting at 4 p.m. May 21 in the old gymnasium, 3700 W. 103rd St., Chicago. So here's the deal, according to my good friend and adopted nephew Kevin Giragosian of the Neverly Brothers, an SXU professor of music brings the band on campus so his music students can experience the full range of 1950s and '60s rock. Here's the best part. The concert is open to the public and it's a freebie. This is much more than music. The Nevs immerse the audience as per Bob Seger's cry: "Gimme that old time rock 'n roll." It's a great time to ditch the world's ills for an hour and rock it on up. Check it out along with the Nevs' full schedule at ww w.theneverlybrothers.com.

The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra season finale, "Titan," will include Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 by Johann Sebastian Bach and Symphony No. 1, D Major, the "Titan," by Gustav Mahler. The 8 p.m. May 30th concert will be at the IPO's home venue, Lincoln-Way North High School Performing Arts Center, 19900 Harlem Ave., Frankfort (turn west at Vollmer Road/L-W North intersection.) Tickets are at (708) 481-7774 and www.ipomusic.org. Tickets are $30 to $50 at (708) 481-7774.

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Sunday, April 26, 2009

Myra

THEATER

The Drama Group presents the Elton John and Tim Rice contemporary opera "Aida," May 8-10 at Bloom High School, Chicago Road and 10th Street, Chicago Heights. The story of the Egyptian princess and her lover, locked together in life and death, takes a contemporary and dramatic turn under the legendary collaboration of lyricist Rice and rock icon John. Those involved say the show is going to be ultra mega spectacular. Tickets are $18, $17 seniors, students. Box office phone number is (708) 755-3444; www.dramagroup.org .

The Drama Group also will present the powerful drama, "The Laramie Project" at the Studio Theatre, 330 202nd St., Chicago Heights. Mark the dates, June 11-21.

"Curtains," a wacky, riotous Broadway musical, continues through May 17 at Drury Lane Oakbrook, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. Tickets are $29 to $35; dinner theater packages $43.75 to $56. This play within a play stars Chicagoland's extraordinary first couple of theater, Paula Scrofano and John Reeger, and a full cast of primo performers. A multiple murder mystery musical comedy (whew), "Curtains" showcases Reeger as the wacky director of the play within a play. Scrofano's stellar, though brief, appearance on stage will have you laughing from the outset. Tickets and info are at (630) 530-0111, Ticketmaster and www.drurylaneoakbrook.com . m.e.
Next at Drury Lane Oakbrook -- "Pump Boys and Dinettes," a rock 'n' roll tribute to the long gone era when gas station attendants pumped and dinette gals sassed at Double Cupp diner. This tons of fun musical trip back in time opens May 28 and runs through Aug. 2. Want to know more? Check out the Drury Lane Web site and definitely check out the next blog.

Drury Lane Oakbrook Theatre for Young Audiences continues its production of "Seussical," the Broadway musical based on the wonderful works by Dr. Seuss, is now running at Drury Lane through May 16 for the young and young of spirit. Tickets are $10.

Also on sale, ITC season subscriptions for 2009-2010.

A smashing production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," is in its last week at Marriott Theatre, Lincolnshire, closing May 10. Tickets are $45, discounts for students and seniors on certain days: (847) 634-0200 and www.marriotttheatre.com. Marc Robin choreographs and directs, and his brilliant touches along with bravura performances by every cast member, create a "Joseph" with a grand flair of color, tremendous amount of levity as well as brilliant dance numbers and award-worthy directing. You'll want to see this more than once. www.marriotttheatre.com. m.e.

Marriott's next production, Tony Award-winning musical comedy "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," begins previews on May 13, officially opens May 20. Show tickets are $45 and dinner theater packages are available Wednesdays through Sundays. More "Spelling Bee" details next blog.

Now running at Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport, Chicago, "Mark's Gospel," a new musical based on the New Testament. Fellowship for the Performing Arts presents this theatrical eye-witness story as if a journalist had been issuing the first reports of Jesus' journey from rural obscurity to political assassination. It's funny, compelling and transcends any religion, press releases indicate. My e-mail exchange with a show publicist, leads me to believe "Mark's Gospel," like "Jesus Christ Superstar," indeed is for everyone. Tickets are $29 to $48 at (773) 325-1700 at all Ticketmaster outlets.

Palos Village Players present Woody Allen's smash farce, "Don't Drink the Water" one more time, at 7:30 p.m. May 9 at Palos Park Recreation Center, 8901 W. 123rd St. Tickets are $15, $12 for adults and seniors. Reservations are at (708) 479-3262.

Porchlight Music Theatre, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago, presents "Once On This Island," a "Caribbean musical fairytale," re-imagined by the company, from May 9 though June 28.

Tickets are $37, discounts for students and seniors, at Ticketmaster outlets and at the theater, (773) 327-5252, www.porchlighttheatre.com.

Incidentally, the upcoming Porchlight season includes one of my all-time favorite musicals, "The Fantasticks," starting Sept. 11. While I love this 1960s classic, I have seen it only once, at ITC, probably in the late 1980s or early '90s. The huge cast included, as I recall, Howard Hahn and the late David Six. I look forward to trying "to remember the days of September" once again.

Also at Steppenwolf, John Steinbeck's powerful drama of friendship and survival-- "Of Mice and Men." The powerful drama takes place during the Depression. The two main characters, itinerant farmhands, seek their own little world where life will be sweet. Although the Young Adults series features works young adults will find compelling, the plays are not edited, says David Rosenberg, Steppenwolf communications director. All young adult theater performances will be at 11 a.m. Show continues May 9 and 10. Tickets are $20.

Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, presents the George and Ira Gershwin award-winning musical, "Crazy for You" from May 7 through June 14. The press release offers a brief, but compelling, story of the show that garnered a Tony in 1992, decades after the legendary Gershwin brothers died. "Their music became the soundtrack for the 20th century and saw America through some of her darkest days of the Great Depression and World War II," the release states. Wonderful songs such as "They Can't Take that Away from Me," "I Got Rhythm" and "Embraceable You," to name a few, were wrapped up in a script that "could not hold a candle to the music." Then in 1992, "Crazy for You," with book by Ken Ludwig, went through the roof and the Gershwin brothers' songs finally won an award they had earned long ago. Tickets to what should be a terrific production of this musical comedy are $36 though $40 at (219) 836-3255 and at www.tickets.com.

WAFF Productions presents "American Notes" at the Prop Theatre, 3504 N. Elston, Chicago, at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays through June 7. "Notes" is described as "part intertwined character sketchbook, part postcard collection and held together by desperation and coffee-fueled late night conversation." Tickets are $20, $18 with non perishable food donation, $10 for students, seniors, (866) 611-4111 and at www.willactforfood.com.

TOUR PRODUCTIONS
Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University continues its production season with the Montana Repertory Theatre production of the Chirstopher Sergel script of Harper Lee's classic, "To Kill A Mockingbird" at 8 p.m. on May 9. Tickets are $27 to $42 at www.centertickets.net and at (708) 235-2222. At 3 p.m. on show day, the Montana Repertory Theatre actors and artistic team members will conduct a community conversation about the salient themes in TKAM at the Flossmoor Public Library, 1000 Sterling Ave. Tickets are free at the number above.

VISUAL ARTS

From May 15 to June 27, Tall Grass Arts Association Gallery, 367 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest, presents "LANDMARKS: Restoration & Regeneration," an unusual and eclectic collection of works by Nikkole Huss and Heather Page, both widely-exhibited artists and college educators. The opening reception from 7 to 9 p.m. on May 16 will give guests -- anyone who wants to be there -- a chance to meet the artists and hear about the genesis of their distinctive works. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, (708) 748-3377 and www.tallgrassarts.org. BTW: Tall Grass has a wonderful little gift shop packed with one-of-a-kind treasures from a few dollars up to, well, whatever. Anyway, it is definitely worth a stop when you visit the gallery. Admission to the gallery and shop is always free.

The Tall Grass Art Film Series continues as well. The French film, "The Class," will screen at 6:30 p.m., May 17 at Marcus Theatre, 1301 Hilltop Ave., Chicago Heights. Tickets are $7.50 and available at the gallery.

MUSEUMS

Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, takes visitors on journeys beyond Earth. Trust me, today's Adler is not your old planetarium but stellar haven for the 21st century with loads of interactives and three separate theatres, including the Universe Theatre with a 3-D look at the universe. Another, the Definiti, brings the spectacular tilt dome effect to Adler. Now in repertoire in the Definiti is the powerful "Cosmic Collisions," narrated by Robert Redford. And there's the iconic Sky Theatre, under Adler's famous landmark dome. There's an entire section devoted to the Apollo program with loads of memorabilia from astronaut Jim Lovell of Gemini 12 and perhaps more well known, as commander of Apollo 13. The Gemini 12 capsule is the centerpiece of the huge two part exhibit, Shoot for the Moon, A Voyage with Jim Lovell. Entrance is on the top floor, right near the rainbow doors.

Mark your calendar for Charter One Telescope Days at Adler, June 7 to 12, when admission to the planetarium will be free. Plan to check out the new exhibit, "Telescopes, Through the Looking Glass," a look at 400 years of viewing since the legendary Galileo first looked into the sky with the wondrous instrument. All the details, admission prices on regular days and packages including show tickets are at www.adlerplanetarium.org. m.e.

While brutal pirates making headlines today are not the stuff of museum exhibits, pirates of yesteryear have been romanticized in films, novels and television shows and now are the focus of the compelling "Real Pirates," through Oct. 25 at the Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Blvd., Chicago. The exhibit includes the story of the Whydah, a life size replica of the ship's stern and "genuine artifacts (that) will transport you to back to an era that lives in legend," Field Museum information states. Special tickets are required for this exhibit. Admission prices, hours, tickets and more are atwww.fieldmuseum.org.

A hidden treasure. Trackman Planetarium at Joliet Junior College, 1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet, continues its FREE series of wonderful sky shows, each followed by a live discussion led by amazing astronomy advocate and planetarium director Art Maurer, yes, the guy from Crete. Shows, always free, are as follows: "Our Place in Space" at 6:30 p.m. May 7; "We Go to the Moon" at 6:30 p.m. May 21; "The Solar System and Beyond," 7:30 p.m. May 26 and "Summer Sky for Kids" (of all ages) at 6:30 p.m. June 4. The 6:30 p.m. shows are geared to the younger set but everyone learns from Art. Information and directions are with the planetarium office at (815) 280-6682.

MUSIC

One of my all-time, high energy favorite bands, Mojo and the Bayou Gypsies, return to the Chicago area for a May 15 rockin' Mojo-style Zydeco concert at the Barn Theater, 6526 S. Clarendon Hills Road, Willowbrook. Tickets are $20 to $55 at (630) 415-1405. I'll be in Minnesota, but for that evening, my soul will be at the Barn with my good buddy Mojo at the band's CD release House Party. Mojo and his band will have you up and rockin' before you can say "crawfish." Indeed, the poster cautions, "Warning! May Induce Wild Behavior." Want to check out Mojo's steamy bayou sound? Head to the Web site at www.redhotmojo.com.

*********

On April 25, five young musicians wowed an audience of some 300 at Prairie State College. Tim Michuda, 13, played Mozart's Concerto No. 3, First Movement, entirely by heart and certainly with heart. His superb performance was one of the highlights of the entire afternoon.

Homewood-Flossmoor High School junior Aaron Washington on trumpet delighted the audience with a work by Handel and a few jazz pieces that showed where his real musical interest fits. Aaron rocked.

Anna Cho Walker, already performing and teaching, played the complicted Brahms Sonata for Piano and Violincello in E Minor, Op. 38.

Benjamin Amenta's fingers flew across the piano keyboard as he wowed the audience with several short songs by Mendelssohn and an etude by Chopin. Amenta graduates this spring with a master's degree in music from Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University.

Crete-Monee High School junior Matthew Lipman on viola brought the audience to its feet with his bravura interpretation of La Campanella by Paganini. His fingers moved faster the eye could catch and he did not miss a beat although he performed that piece and two other short ones entirely by memory.

The entire afternoon was full of lovely surprises from these young performers and the concert was a financial success for Friends of the IPO. Hopefully Rising Star will become a springtime tradition.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Chicago Southland brings arts and entertainment alive!

PHOTOS:

(Right) The Drama Group's upcoming production of "Aida" stars Bob Stewart as Redames and Devin Maddox in the title roll.

Peter Robel stars as an immigrant Russian Jew who is befriended by the town banker, played by Richard Marlatt, in Illinois Theatre Center's production of "The Immigrant."

Dear Arts and Entertainment Friends,

The more I talk to all of you, the more excited I am about creating this blog.

I hope you will continue to send me event info/press releases and photos. Also if you want to be on the list of people who receive notices about blog updates, please send me your e-mail.

Mine is myrasharon@comcast.net.

Also, I hope you will forward the link to anyone who is involved in any area theater group or other arts organization. if anyone of you are, or know someone involved with Palos Village Players, Curtain Call Community Theatre, Orland Park Park District Theatre, Union Street or McCord galleries or the university and college galleries and arts events -- please help the blog and the venue by directing my contact and blog info to the right people. If I have left a group out in my wish list, then it's one I do not know but would love to hear about. (Forget the old rule about not ending sentences with prepositions.)

And a reminder, I am not a techie and cyber blog design is based only on the easy-to-use blogspot.com options. That is, this blog is BASIC!
Timewise, I hope to publish every other week, probably on Sundays.
Thanks for reading and have a great week. Oh, and I would love to hear from you.

BTW: I am trying to keep the blog in sections by arts genres which are then alphabetized by venue. And my initials after an entry signify review commentary.

Oh, and if you find an error, please e-mail me ASAP so I can correct it.

Thanks for your support.
Myra

THEATRE

The Drama Group presents the Elton John and Tim Rice contemporary opera "Aida" May 8-10 at Bloom High School, Chicago Road and 10th Street, Chicago Heights. The story of the Egyptian princess and her lover, locked together in life and death, takes a contemporary and dramatic turn under the legendary collaboration of lyricist Rice and rock icon John. Those involved say the show is going to be ultra mega spectacular in all ways. Tickets are $18, $17 seniors, students. Box office phone number is (708) 755-3444; www.dramagroup.org.

The Drama Group also will present the powerful drama, "The Laramie Project" at the Studio Theatre, 330 202nd St., Chicago Heights. Mark the dates, June 11-21.

"Curtains," a wacky, riotous Broadway musical now running at Drury Lane Oakbrook, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, continues through May 17. Tickets are $29 to $35; dinner theater packages $43.75 to $56. This delightful play within a play stars Chicagoland's extraordinary first couple of theater, Paula Scrofano and John Reeger, and a full cast of primo performers. A multiple murder mystery musical comedy (whew), "Curtains" showcases Reeger as the wacky director of the play within a play. Scrofano's stellar, though brief, appearance on stage will have you laughing from the outset. This show is simply tons of fun. Tickets and info are at (630) 530-0111, Ticketmaster and at www.drurylaneoakbrook.com. m.e.

Drury Lane Oakbrook Theatre for Young Audiences brings "Seussical," the Broadway musical based on the wonderful works by Dr. Seuss, to the stage now running through May 16. Show tickets are $10

MINI REVIEW
I was, in a word, verklempt.

On Friday night, we attended the opening of the the musical "The Immigrant" at Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists Walk in Downtown Park Forest. This musical based on a true story by Mark Harelick, focuses on his grandfather, Haskell Harelik, a Russian Jew, who settled in Hamilton, Texas, in the early 1900s and launched his life in America by selling bananas from a pushcart.

I could not stop thinking about my own immigrant grandparents, some from Lithuania and others from what was then a part of Austria. How did their lives begin here in America? Did they too arrive with nothing and if so, what skills and or friendships allowed them to thrive in this country?

The courage that took them across the ocean and into the unknown has allowed me to grow up in this amazing country.

In the play, Harelik (an absolutely brilliant performance by Peter Robel), meets and wins the friendship of the town banker, Milton (a phenomenal Richard Marlatt) and his Baptist wife, Ima (a wonderfully convincing Mary Jane Guymon). Leah Harelick (Jessica Laurent Fisher in a superb performance) joins her husband and over the years, they raise three sons (not seen), all who serve in the U.S. military during World War II.

The cast's stage chemistry raises the bar even more on this touching musical saga that takes the audience from 1909 to 1942. The South Suburbs' legendary thespian Etel Billig, creative director at ITC, also directs this production which runs to May 3. Tickets are $21 on Fridays and Saturdays, $19 other performances. Tickets are at (708) 481-3510. www.ilthctr.org. m.e.

ITC's Summerfect 2009 brings Gilbert and Sullivan to the South Suburbs. Well, at least their music. From July 17 to 26, the Summerfest cast will perform the rollicking comedy, "The Pirates of Penzance." Tickets are now on sale, $15 adults, $14 students and seniors.

Once again, thespians bring the entertaining Elvis-era theme musical, "Bye Bye Birdie" to stage as Frann Carnivale-Sidlow directs the Orland Park Theatre Troupe production at Carl Sandburg High School Performing Arts Center, 13300 LaGrange Road, Orland Park. Showtimes are 7 p.m. April 24 and 25 and 2 p.m. Tickets ae $18, $16 for seniors and students, $14 for children at 14650 S. Ravinia, Orland Park, at (708) 403-7275.

"The Screwtape Letters," Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport, Chicago. (What kind of address is that, North Southport? Only in Chicago. And yeah, it's nowhere near the Southland.) Now running for six months, this open-ended production is described as a "provocative and funny theatrical adaptation of the C.S. Lewis brilliant novel that explores the theme of spiritual warfare from a demon's point of view." Tickets are $29 to $48 at (773) 325-1700 at all Ticketmaster outlets.

Palos Village Players present Woody Allen's smash farce, "Don't Drink the Water" at 7:30 p.m. May 1,2,8 and 9 and at 2 p.m. May 3. The show will be staged at Palos Park Recreation Center, 8901 W. 123rd St. Tickets are $15, $12 for adults and seniors. Reservations are at (708) 479-3262. More in next weekend's blog.

Porchlight Music Theatre, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago, presents "Once On This Island," a "Caribbean musical fairytale," re-imagined by the company, from May 9 though June 28.

Tickets are $37, discounts for students and seniors, at Ticketmaster outlets and at the theater, (773) 327-5252, www.porchlighttheatre.com.

Incidentally, the upcoming Porchlight season includes one of my all-time favorite musicals, "The Fantasticks," starting Sept. 11.

(While I love this 1960s classic, I have seen it only once, at ITC, probably in the late 1980s or early '90s. The huge cast included, as I recall, Howard Hahn and the late David Six. (If I've upset a few people whose performances I don't remember, let me assure you, the entire production was wonderful.)

William Shakespeare's "The Tempest," at Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St., continues in the downstairs theater through May 31. The production features a cast of Steppenwolf ensemble members and is directed by Tina Landau, also a member of the award-winning company. Landau "re-imagines this magical tale of art, freedom and the transformative power of forgiveness," the company press release states. More details after I check out this production. Tickets are $20 to $70 at (312) 335-1650 or www.steppenwolf.org. (OK. Steppenwolf is nowhere near the Southland either but how could anyone even think about eliminating Steppenwolf from a Chicagoland arts list?)
www.steppenwolf.org.

From May 15 to June 27, Tall Grass presents "LAND MARKS: Restoration & Regeneration," an unusual and eclectic collection of works by Nikkole Huss and Heather Page, both widely-exhibited artists and college educators. The opening reception from 7 to 9 p.m. on May 16 will give guests -- anyone who wants to be there -- a chance to meet the artists and hear about the genesis of their distinctive works.

MUSEUMS

Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Trust me, today's Adler is not your old planetarium. Indeed, it is a stellar haven for the 21st century with loads of interactives and three separate theatres, including the Universe Theatre with a 3-D look at the universe. Another, the Definiti, brings the spectacular tilt dome effect to Adler. Now in repertoire in the Definiti is the powerful "Cosmic Collisions" narrated by Robert Redford. And there's the iconic Sky Theatre, under Adler's famous landmark dome. While Adler, the western world's first planetarium, still retains the treasures and sky shows of years gone by, there is so much more. Exhibits of space artifacts and ancient astronomy instruments as well as tons of hands-on stuff for all ages are just a few of the treasures. There is an entire exhibit area devoted to the Apollo program with loads of memorabilia from astronaut Jim Lovell of Gemini 12. Lovell perhaps is most famous as commander of the almost-doomed Apollo 13. The Gemini 12 capsule is considered the centerpiece of the huge two part exhibit but there is so much more ... videos, artifacts from spaceflights, huge murals and just about everything you will want to know or see about the American space program leading up to Apollo moon flights in Shoot for the Moon, A Voyage with Jim Lovell, on the top floor, right near the rainbow doors. All the Adler details at www.adlerplanetarium.org. m.e.

While brutal pirates making headlines today are not the stuff of museum exhibits, the pirates of yesteryear have been romanticized in film and now are the focus of the compelling "Real Pirates," now through Oct. 25 at the Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Blvd., Chicago. The exhibit includes the story of the Whydah, from slave ship to pirate ship, a life size replica of the ship's stern and "genuine artifacts (that) will transport you to back to an era that lives in legend," Field Museum information states. Special tickets are required for this exhibit. Admission prices, hours, tickets and more are at www.fieldmuseum.org.

Can't get to Hogwarts, you say. Museum of Science and Industry, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, has entered the world of wizards and witchcraft with "Harry Potter: the Exhibition." Visitors of all ages can enter the extraordinary world of Harry Potter in an exciting exhibit running through Sept. 27. Props and costumes and more than 200 authentic artifacts used in the making of the film series are on view, inspired by locations from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Hagrid's Hut and more. Special timed tickets, in addition to admission charge, required for this exhibit and it will have extended hours. All the details and ticket prices and purchase options are at www.msichicago.org. Museum hours, other exhibits and upcoming events also are at the wonderful MSI website. Upcoming free days (do not include special exhibits) are April 22, June 1-5, June 19. More free dates in the fall. All the details, prices and exhibition details are at www.msichicago.org.
Also at MSI, "Smart Home, Green + Wired," has reopened with an updated look at the ultimate green home, an eco-friendly dwelling with technology for the 21st century. This exhibit also requires a timed ticket; www.msichicago.org.

A hidden treasure. Trackman Planetarium at Joliet Junior College, 1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet, continues its FREE series of wonderful sky shows, each followed by a live discussion led by amazing astronomy advocate and planetarium director Art Maurer, yes, the guy from Crete. Shows are as follows: "Mars" (what could be more fascinating?) at 7:30 p.m. April 28; "Our Place in Space" at 6:30 p.m. May 7; "We Go to the Moon" at 6:30 p.m. May 21; "The Solar System and Beyond," 7:30 p.m. May 26 and "Summer Sky for Kids" (of all ages) at 6:30 p.m. June 4. The 6:30 p.m. shows are geared to the younger set but everyone learns from Art. Information and directions are with the planetarium office at (815) 280-6682.

MUSIC

Once again, the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District will present its Starry Nights Concert Series at Irwin Park, Ridge Road and Highland Avenue, Homewood. More later but here's the scoop on the lineup: The Guess Who on June 12; Doo Wop Spectacular with Terry Johson's Flamingos, the El Dorados and Jonny Keyes & the Magnificents on July 26; 1964, a Beatles tribute band, on July 24. Advance tickets will be available May 1 at (708) 957-0300. Ticket prices will vary, $15-$20 for adults, depending on show; kids 7 and younger, $7 for all shows. More details as summer nears.

If you did not get to either the Saturday or Sunday Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra concerts featuring violin virtuoso Emil Chudnovsky, you missed a rousing program of mostly Hungarian music. I smiled the entire evening and left feeling light and airy and thrilled we were able to see this extraordinary concert. IPO's season finale, "Titan," including selections from Mahler and Bach, will be at 8 p.m. May 30 at Lincoln-Way North High School Performing Arts Center, 19900 Harlem Ave., Mokena (turn west at Vollmer Road/L-W North intersection.) Tickets are at (708) 481-7774 and www.ipomusic.org.

Friends of the IPO, meanwhile, present a "Rising Star Showcase" featuring extraordinary young local talent: Ben Amenta on piano, Matt Lippman on viola, Tim Michuda on violin, Anna Cho Walker on cello, Aaron Washington on trumpet. This should be an extraordinary concert starring young performers who are making waves in the world of music. Valerie Nicholson, acclaimed pianist and a name familiar to most music fans in Chicagoland, will emcee and perhaps accompany one of the young artists. Tickets to the 4:30 p.m. April 26 concert at Prairie State College, 202 S. Halsted, Chicago Heights, are only $10, available through the IPO and at the door, if any are available. As Ed Feingold, IPO executive director, said last weekend. "This is probably the last time you'll get to here these young artists for $10."

Rock 'n' roll is here to stay! The music comes alive for the red, white and blue as the fantastic 1950s -- '60s rock 'n' roll experience trio, the Neverly Brothers, perform at a dinner dance fundraiser on April 25 for our courageous U.S. military at the Goose Lake Club, 3935 Goose Lake Road, Morris. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. These guys will have you up, around and dancing if you can. In any case, they're phenom musicians with an amazing repertoire. Tickets are $35 in advance and $30 at the door for dinner and dance at (815) 634-2455 or (815) 325-6064. Yes, it's a bit out of our area, but all proceeds go to Operation Care Package and the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Will County.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

April 5, Arts and Entertainment romp continues

Dear Readers

Response to this blog has been gratifying. And I am excited about focusing on the arts and entertainment world.

At this point, I am not going to include music at clubs, high school productions or any audition details. Actors know how to find the latter and high schools have their own internal publicity avenues.
However, I do hope you will send event info/press releases and photos -- by e-mail. My e-mail is myrasharon@comcast.net. If this continues to catch on, I will include a few mini-previews and ditto reviews.

Again, releases, jpgs, etc. should be sent to myrasharon@comcast.net

Please help me and forward the link to anyone who is involved in any area theater group or other arts organization. I especially would like to see all the regional community theater groups listed.
Now about this layout -- I am not a techie and cyber blog design is based only on the easy-to-use blogspot.com options. That is, this blog is BASIC!
Anyway, please e-mail me at myrasharon@comcast.net and let me know whether the blog is helpful. Also, if you would like to be on my e-mail list for blog updates, please send me your e-mail address.

Timewise, I hope to publish every other week, probably on Sundays.
Hope you like this and PLEASE PASS THE BLOG SITE ALONG!

The photos above show Emil Chudnovsky who will perform later this month at the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra and the legendary Oscar Wilde, whose hysterical "The Importance of Being Earnest," will be staged by Spotlight Theatre later this month.

Listings will remain in the blog until the event/performance is over.

OK, Myra, why are Oscar and Emil up there twice? Well, I could not figure out how to delete photos but will keep trying.

Thanks for reading this.

Myra Eder

THEATRE

The Drama Group presents the Elton John and Tim Rice contemporary opera "Aida"May 8-10 at Bloom Hichool, Chicago Road and 10th Street, Chicago Heights. The story of the Egyptian princess and her lover, locked together in life and death, takes a contemporary and dramatic turn under the legendary collaboration of lyricist Rice and rock icon John. Those involved say the show is going to be ultra mega spectacular. Tickets are $18, $17 seniors, students. Box office phone number is (708) 755-3444; www.dramagroup.org

The Drama Group also will present the powerful drama, "The Laramie Project" at the Studio Theatre, 330 202nd St., Chicago Heights. Mark the dates, June 11-21.

"Curtains," a Broadway musical now running at Drury Lane Oakbrook, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, continues through May 17. Tickets are $29 to $35; dinner theater packages $43.75 to $56. This play within a play stars Chicagoland's extraordinary first couple of theater, Paula Scrofano and John Reeger, and a full cast of primo performers. This multiple murder mystery musical comedy (whew) showcases Reeger as a wacky director of the play within a play. Scrofano's stellar, though brief, appearance on stage will have you laughing from the outset. This show is simply tons of fun. Tickets and info are at (630) 530-0111, Ticketmaster and at www.drurylaneoakbrook.com. m.e.

Drury Lane Oakbrook Theatre for Young Audiences brings "Seussical," the Broadway musical based on the wonderful works by Dr. Seuss, to the stage now running through May 16. Show tickets are $10

Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists Walk in Downtown Park Forest, presents "The Immigrant," a musical by Mark Harelik, the grandson of Haskell Harelik, A Russian Jewish Immigrant. Why is this important. Well here it is 100 years later and the unusual and true story of Harelik arrives in Chicago's South Suburbs. When Haskell Harelik arrived in the states, he was taken in by a Baptist, the banker in the town where Harelik settles. This saga of friendship takes the audience from 1909 to 1942. Etel Billig, creative director at ITC, shared her excitement about the production with me. The show runs from April 17 to May 3. Tickets are $21 on Fridays and Saturdays, $19 other performances. Tickets are at (708) 481-3510. www.ilthctr.org

A smashing production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," continues at Marriott Theatre, Lincolnshire, through May 10. Tickets are $45, discounts for students and seniors on certain days: (847) 634-0200 and www.marriotttheatre.com. Yes, it's quite a distance from Southland but more than worth the drive and ticket price. Marc Robin choreographs and directs, and his brilliant touches along with bravado performances by every cast member, create a "Joseph" with a grand flair of color, tremendous amount of levity as well as brilliant dance numbers and award-worthy directing. You'll want to see this more than once. www.marriotttheatre.com.m.e.

"The Screwtape Letters," Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport, Chicago. (What kind of address is that, North Southport? Only in Chicago. And yeah, it's nowhere near the Southland.) Now running for six months, this open-ended production is described as a "provocative and funny theatrical adaptation of the C.S. Lewis brilliant novel that explores the theme of spiritual warfare from a demon's point of view." Tickets are $29 to $48 at (773) 325-1700 at all Ticketmaster outlets.

William Shakespeare's "The Tempest," at Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St.,continues in the downstairs theater through May 31. The production features a cast of Steppenwolf ensemble members and is directed by Tina Landau, also a member of the award-winning company. Landau "re-imagines this magical tale of art, freedom and the transformative power of forgiveness," the company press release states. Tickets are $20 to $70 at (312) 335-1650 or www.steppenwolf.org. (OK. Steppenwolf is nowhere near the Southland either but how could anyone even think about eliminating Steppenwolf from a Chicagoland arts list?)

www.steppenwolf.org

Coming to Steppenwolf for Young Adults, John Steinbeck's powerful drama of friendship and survival-- "Of Mice and Men" -- takes place during the Depression. The two main characters, itinerant farmhands, seek their own little world where life will be sweet. Although the Young Adults series features works young adults will find compelling, the plays are not edited, says David Rosenberg, Steppenwolf communications director. All performances will be at 11 a.m. Show dates are April 25, May 2, 3, 9, 10. Tickets are $20.

Spotlight Theatre presents one of my all-time favorite comedies, "The Importance of Being Earnest," by the legendary Oscar Wilde, at 7:30 p.m. April 24, 25 and 3 p.m. April 26 at Governors State University; production currently scheduled for F1622 lecture hall . Tickets are $14, $12 for seniors and students with ID; (708) 798-1188 and www.spotlight-theatre.com. "Earnest" is a Brit classic that has to be seen. You probably read it in high school or college, and as witty as Wilde reads, a successful production takes the comedy to levels often reaching sheer wackiness. Tons of fun, amazing writing and an all-around upbeat treasure.

TOUR PRODUCTIONS

Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University continues its production season with several acts, including the Kingston Trio at 5 p.m. May 3. GSU's full schedule info and all tickets are available at www.centertickets.net and at (708) 235-2222.

VISUAL ARTS

Tall Grass Arts Association Gallery, 367 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest, presents "A Life in the Light," a photography retrospective of works by Richard Burd now through May 2. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, (708) 748-3377; www.tallgrassarts.org

MUSEUMS

Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. I am ecstatic to be back among the stars, volunteering at Adler again after a 10-year hiatus. So many Chicagolands tell me they haven't been to Adler since they were kids. Trust me, this is not your old planetarium. While Adler, the western world's first planetarium, still retains the treasures and sky shows of years gone by, there is so much more. Digital 3-D shows, exhibits of space artifacts and ancient astronomy instruments as well as tons of hands-on stuff for all ages are just a few of the treasures.
There is an entire exhibit area devoted to the Apollo program with loads of memorabilia from astronaut Jim Lovell of Gemini 12. Lovell perhaps is most famous as commander of the almost-doomed Apollo 13. The Gemini 12 capsule is considered the centerpiece of the huge two part exhibit but there is so much more ... videos, artifacts from spaceflights, huge murals and just about everything you will want to know or see about the American space program leading up to Apollo moon flights.
Check out all the Adler details at www.adlerplanetarium.org.

Museum of Science and Industry, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Now premiering at the museum, "Harry Potter: the Exhibition. Visitors of all ages can enter the magical world of Harry Potter in an exciting exhibit running through Sept. 27. Props and costumes and more than 200 authentic artifacts used in the making of the film series are on view, inspired by locations from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Hagrid's Hut and more. Special timed tickets, in addition to admission charge, required for this exhibit and it will have extended hours. All the details and ticket prices and purchase options are at www.msichicago.org. Museum hours, other exhibits and upcoming events also are at the wonderful MSI website. Upcoming free days (do not include special exhibits) are April 22, June 1-5, June 19. More free dates in the fall. All the details, prices and exhibition details are at www.msichicago.org.
Also at MSI, "Smart Home, Green + Wired," has reopened with an updated look at the ultimate green home, an eco-friendly dwelling with technology for the 21st century. This exhibit also requires a timed ticket; www.msichicago.org

MUSIC

Two biggies are on schedule under the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra banner.
By popular demand, the IPO once again presents the brilliant talent of violinist Emil Chudnovsky, for two performances, 8 p.m. April 18 and 3 p.m. April 19 at Lincoln-Way North High School Performing Arts Center in Frankfort. Chudnovsky's passion for the music and his violin took me out of the present, into another realm when we saw him a few years ago. Alas we were out of town during his more recent IPO appearances so we are thrilled at the chance to see him perform again. The orchestra of course will be under the direction of Maestro Carmon DeLeone. Program details, tickets and more are at (708) 481-7774 and www.ipomusic.org.

Friends of the IPO, meanwhile, present a "Rising Star Showcase" featuring young local talent: Ben Amenta on piano, Matt Lippman on viola, Tim Michuda on violin, Anna Cho Walker on cello, Aaron Washington on trumpet. This should be an extraordinary concert starring young performers who are making waves in the world of music. Valerie Nicholson, acclaimed pianist and a name familiar to most music fans in Chicagoland, will emcee and perhaps accompany one of the young artists. Tickets to the 4:30 p.m. April 26 concert at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights are only $10. Same phone number and website above for information.

And now presenting ...

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Southland's Got Talent!!

Friday, June 19, 2009

Ghost, glitz and good old rock 'n' roll

Monday, May 25, 2009

Monday, May 11, 2009

Arts, entertainment for all

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Friday, April 17, 2009

Chicago Southland brings arts and entertainment alive!

Sunday, April 5, 2009

April 5, Arts and Entertainment romp continues

myra

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